Nursing care of patients developing complications after surgical removal of carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction under thoracoscopy and laparoscopy

目的 探讨胸腹腔镜联合治疗食管胃交界部肿瘤术后并发症的护理.方法 回顾性分析10例胸腹腔镜下联合治疗食管胃交界部肿瘤患者的临床资料,其中术后并发心律失常2例,肺部感染、肺不张2例,吻合口瘘2例,胸部皮下气肿1例,腹腔内出血1例,腹部穿刺孔出血1例.对不同的并发症采取相应的治疗、护理措施.结果 经对症治疗、护理,2例心律失常患者72 h内均得到纠正;2例肺部感染、肺不张患者经复查胸片证实肺部感染消失,肺复张良好;2例吻合口瘘瘘口均在术后1个月左右愈合;胸部皮下气肿1例经调整胸腔闭式引流后好转,1周后皮下气肿消失;1例腹部穿刺孔出血床旁局麻下成功止血;1例内出血患者开腹行止血术成功止血.结论 胸腹腔镜联合治疗食管胃交界部肿瘤手术复杂,并发症发生率高,护理过程中应密切观察患者病情变化,早期发现、早期预防,以减少并发症的发生.     

胸腹腔镜联合治疗食管胃交界部肿瘤术后并发症的护理

目的探讨胸腹腔镜联合治疗食管胃交界部肿瘤术后并发症的护理。方法回顾性分析10例胸腹腔镜下联合治疗食管胃交界部肿瘤患者的临床资料,其中术后并发心律失常2例,肺部感染、肺不张2例,吻合口瘘2例,胸部皮下气肿1例,腹腔内出血1例,腹部穿刺孔出血1例。对不同的并发症采取相应的治疗、护理措施。结果经对症治疗、护理,2例心律失常患者72h内均得到纠正;2例肺部感染、肺不张患者经复查胸片证实肺部感染消失,肺复张良好;2例吻合口瘘瘘口均在术后1个月左右愈合;胸部皮下气肿1例经调整胸腔闭式引流后好转,1周后皮下气肿消失;1例腹部穿刺孔出血床旁局麻下成功止血;1例内出血患者开腹行止血术成功止血。结论胸腹腔镜联合治疗食管胃交界部肿瘤手术复杂,并发症发生率高,护理过程中应密切观察患者病情变化,早期发现、早期预防,以减少并发症的发生。     

经口输送钉砧头系统行全腔镜Ivor Lewis 食管癌根治术30例

目的 探讨全腔镜下食管癌切除并利用经口输送钉砧头系统完成右侧胸腔内食管-胃吻合的可行性,并报告近期疗效.方法 2011年1至12月,30例食管癌患者行全腔镜Ivor Lewis径路食管癌切除食管-胃胸腔内吻合术.手术先在腹腔镜下游离胃和腹段食管,然后在胸腔镜下游离胸段食管并切除食管癌,采用经口输送钉砧头系统行胸腔镜下食管-胃胸腔内吻合.结果 病变均位于食管中下段,平均长度3.8cm.全组手术均顺利,无术中并发症和中转开腹,开胸者.平均腹腔镜操作95min,胸腔镜操作177 min;术中平均出血量310ml.术后平均5.6天进食.术后病理诊断25例鳞状细胞癌,5例腺癌,切缘均阴性.胸部和腹部淋巴结每例平均清扫10.6和4.9枚.术后切口感染4例,乳糜胸1例,经保守治疗后好转;1例术后第6天因左侧膈疝行剖腹膈疝修补;无吻合口痿.结论 利用经口输送钉砧头系统行全腔镜下食管癌切除胸腔内吻合术创伤小,术后恢复快,未发生吻合口瘘.全腔镜Lvor Lewis食管癌根治术足一种安全可行的手术方式.     

SiewertⅠ型和Ⅱ型食管胃结合部癌不同手术方式的近期疗效分析

目的分析SiewertⅠ型、Ⅱ型食管胃结合部癌患者不同手术方式的近期疗效。方法纳入2015年3月至2018年3月西安交通大学第一附属医院胸外科接受手术治疗的SiewertⅠ型、Ⅱ型食管胃结合部癌患者共82例,其中男53例、女29例,年龄48~72(61±6)岁。根据手术方法将患者分为4组,左开胸组(n=14),腹腔镜左胸小切口组(n=33):胸腹腔镜Ivor-Lewis组(n=17)和胸腹腔镜McKeown组(n=18)。对比分析不同手术组的近期疗效和生存率。结果左开胸组手术时间最短,随后为腹腔镜左胸小切口组、胸腹腔镜McKeown组和胸腹腔镜Ivor-Lewis组;胸腹腔镜McKeown组/腹腔镜左胸小切口组术中出血量最少;左开胸组淋巴结清扫数量最少,胸腹腔镜McKeown组最多。腹腔镜左胸小切口组总并发症发生率低于其它3组(P<0.05),肺炎及心律失常发生率在4组中最低(P<0.05)。4组近期生存率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论胸腹腔镜联合手术治疗SiewertⅠ型、Ⅱ型食管胃结合部癌安全、可靠。腹腔镜左胸小切口手术方式具有微创优势,淋巴结清扫较为彻底,尤其对于心肺储备功能欠佳的高龄患者,能明显缩短手术时间、减少术后并发症,具有一定的可推广性。     

腹腔镜根治性全胃或近端胃切除后食管抵钉座置入新技术

目的 探讨腹腔镜根治性全胃切除或根治性近端胃大部切除后,牵引法放置食管抵钉座行食管残胃或食管空肠吻合新技术的临床价值.方法 回顾性分析2010年3月至2011年2月我中心应用牵引法将吻合器抵钉座置入食管完成腹腔镜根治性全胃切除食管空肠吻合或根治性近端胃大部食管残胃吻合的21例胃癌患者的临床资料.手术采用五孔法,在完成胃周淋巴结清扫和食管游离后,先在超过肿瘤上方3 cm处切开食管,将带牵引线抵钉座完全置入食管近端,保留牵引线在食管切口外,然后切割缝合器横断食管,借助牵引线将抵钉座定位杆拉出,最后在腹腔镜下完成吻合.结果 21例患者均在腹腔镜下顺利完成手术,无中转开腹.15例行腹腔镜根治性全胃切除,6例行根治性近端胃大部切除.平均手术时间为(257±38) min,术中平均出血量为(119±32) ml,术后平均下床活动时间为92.5±0.5)d,术后肛门平均排气时间为(3.7±0.8)d,术后平均住院时间为(7.5±2.6)d.本组患者术后无围手术期死亡,无吻合口出血、吻合口瘘等；但3例患者术后出现并发症,其中1例为肺部感染合并胸腔积液,经积极保守治疗后痊愈；1例为吻合口狭窄,经胃镜气囊扩张治疗后症状缓解；另有1例为切口感染,经积极切开引流换药后痊愈.术后病理检查:所有患者吻合圈和标本切缘未见癌细胞.组织学类型:高分化腺癌4例,中分化腺癌8例,低分化或黏液腺癌9例.UICC分期:Ⅰ期5例,Ⅱ期10例,Ⅲ期6例.21例患者平均随访时间为(11±4)个月96～17个月),无肿瘤复发、转移.结论 牵引法放置食管抵钉座行食管残胃或食管空肠吻合安全可靠,操作简单容易掌握,为腹腔镜下消化道重建提供了一种新的技术选择.     

左上腹切口与正中切口应用OrVil吻合器行腹腔镜食管空肠吻合术的比较

目的 探讨左上腹切口和正中切口应用OrVil吻合器行腹腔镜全胃切除食管空肠吻合术中的差异.方法 2010年10月～ 2013年3月,对36例应用OrVil吻合器进行腹腔镜全胃切除食管空肠吻合术患者,分别采用左上腹切口(n=23)或正中切口(n=13),对抵钉座放置时间、腔镜下吻合时间、术中出血量、切口长度、腹腔感染率、切口感染率、吻合口漏或狭窄等进行比较.结果 与正中切口组相比,左上腹切口组腔镜下吻合时间短[(7.4±2.2) min vs.(16.0 ±4.4)min,t=-7.965,P=0.000],切口短[(6.3±1.5)cm vs.(8.2±2.4)cm,t=-2.625,P=0.018],抵钉座放置时间、术中出血量、腹腔感染率、切口感染率、吻合口并发症差异无显著性(P＞0.05).结论 采用左上腹切口应用OrVil吻合器行腹腔镜食管空肠吻合术更为简便快捷、安全,但应注意保护切口及注意吻合时的对线、对位等操作技巧.     

胸腹腔镜联合食管癌根治术右胸内吻合38例

目的 探讨胸腹腔镜经右胸食管癌根治术并右胸内吻合的手术方法及可行性.方法 回顾性分析全胸腹腔镜下食管癌根治并右胸内吻合术的38例患者,腹腔镜下游离胃,腔内直线切割缝合器行管状胃成形并空肠造瘘;胸腔镜下游离中下段食管,将胃提至奇静脉弓水平,使用吻合器行胃-食管吻合.结果 手术平均280 min,过程顺利,无中转开胸、腹手术病例.术中出血平均约120ml,所有病例均无肺部并发症,无吻合口瘘.1例出现胃排空障碍,1例出现乳糜胸,无死亡病例,均治愈出院.结论 胸腹腔镜经右胸食管癌根治术并胸内吻合手术是安全可行的,并且具有创伤小、术中出血少、痛苦轻、术后恢复快等优点.     

食管癌切除经食管床行弓上食管胃机械吻合术280例

目的总结使用弯管型吻合器经主动脉弓后食管床行食管胃吻合术的临床经验。方法280例中、下段食管癌患者行食管癌切除、经弓后食管床行弓上食管胃机械吻合术,采用多次或一次性弯管型吻合器。结果一次吻合成功278例,吻合失败2例,改为原位修补或弓旁手工吻合。全组患者均无吻合口出血。术后随访244例(87.1%),随访时间140个月。死亡3例,死亡原因:吻合口瘘、严重感染2例,心肌梗死1例。发生膈疝2例(合并胸胃穿孔1例),乳糜胸2例,经对症处理治愈;其余患者术后恢复良好。远期出现吻合口狭窄5例,均经沙氏扩张器扩张13次后缓解或治愈。结论中、下段食管癌患者采用左胸后外侧肋间切口,使用弯管型吻合器经弓后食管床行食管胃弓上吻合,手术难度虽较大,对施术者的手术技术要求较高,但术后胃肠道重建符合正常消化道解剖结构,并发症较少,患者的生活质量得到提高。     

腹腔镜食管胃结合部癌手术的解剖学基础与手术入路

食管胃结合部是远端食管与近端胃的交界区，其抗反流屏障由食管下括约肌、胃上括约肌、横膈膜及膈食管韧带和胃食管瓣膜等结构组成。近端胃切除术后，单纯食管残胃吻合病人反流性食管炎的发生率较高，严重影响生活质量。为此，临床上出现了多种抗反流术式，其机制包括重建机械性抗反流屏障、建立抗反流缓冲带、促进胃排空、保留生理抗反流屏障等。由于食管胃结合部的静脉和淋巴管具有头侧与尾侧双向流动的特点，当肿瘤位于贲门周围尚未侵犯食管下段时，主要向腹腔淋巴结转移。而随着肿瘤侵犯食管距离的增加，下纵隔淋巴结的转移发生率显著增加。因此，国内专家共识建议，针对SiewertⅡ型食管胃结合部腺癌，如果肿瘤侵犯食管长度>2 cm，须行纵隔淋巴结清扫。SiewertⅡ型食管胃结合部腺癌手术可采用经腹入路、经胸入路以及胸腹联合入路。经胸入路手术便于纵隔淋巴结清扫和下段食管切除，但并发症发生率高；经腹入路手术虽然并发症发生率低，但对于清扫下纵隔淋巴结和确保食管切缘阴性存在劣势。当前，针对SiewertⅡ型食管胃结合部腺癌的全腹腔镜手术还在不断摸索和改进中，总体趋势是将经腹与经胸入路相结合，以期给病人带来真正的生存获益。总之...     

弓上手法弓下吻合器行食管胃吻合206例体会

作者自1990年6月至1996年8月对206例食管，贲门癌切除行食管胃吻合术，颈段、胸上段、胸中段食管癌经右胸后外侧、腹、左颈部三切口，颈部食管胃垂直褥式内翻一层缝合法吻合。胸下段及贲门癌经左胸第6肋骨床切口胸腔内弓下食管用吻合器（上海产GF-1型管状消化道吻合器，器械头部外径28mm）吻合。结果无1例吻合口漏，吻合口狭窄1例，无手术死亡。本文介绍了手法，吻合器的使用和体会，并对术式的选择及并发症的预防作了讨论。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.